AUSTIN— Traveling on the west and northwest side of Houston gets a lot easier and more convenient this weekend as the Texas Department of Transportation begins the process of opening Segment E of the Grand Parkway, also known as SH 99. The process, which includes powering street signals and lighting, moving traffic barrels and verifying the safety of all traffic movements along the 30 miles of roadway (15 miles in each direction), is expected to be finalized Saturday afternoon. The new stretch of roadway also can be driven for free through Jan. 31.

The new 15-mile, four-lane toll road links the communities of Katy and Cypress, providing nonstop travel between I-10 and US 290. The new roadway will alleviate traffic congestion for those drivers who previously had been navigating a series of county and local roads, sitting through congestion and traffic lights, or driving miles out of their way.

“The SH 99 roadway will help residents in the fast-growing communities west of Houston get around the metro area faster and more conveniently,” said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director.

After the free period for Segment E ends, drivers will need a prepaid toll account to pay their tolls. All tolls will be collected electronically on the high-tech toll road as no manned tollbooths are included. Any of the three Texas toll tags (TxTag, EZ TAG and TollTag) will be accepted.

Motorists who do not already have a toll tag can obtain one online at TxTag.org, or by calling (888) 468-9824. TxTag is accepted on all toll roads in Houston and throughout Texas.

The cost of tolls on the new Grand Parkway will depend on the type of vehicle and where a driver gets on and off the toll road. For drivers of two-axle vehicles, a one-way trip between I-10 and US 290 will cost $2.88. Eventually, there will be 10 intersections along Segment E from which drivers can enter and exit, in addition to the connections at I-10 and US 290. Rates, maps and additional information about Segment E can be found at TxTag.org.

Segment E from I-10 to US 290 is the newest section of the planned 185-mile Grand Parkway/SH 99 loop circling the Houston metro region. Currently, Segments D and I-2 are the only other portions open to traffic. Construction on segments F-1, F-2 and G began in July, and is scheduled for completion in late 2015. Once open, that new 38-mile stretch will link Segment E at US 290 to US 59 north of Houston.

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 12,000 employees are committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas by maintaining a safe system, addressing congestion, connecting Texas communities, and being a Best in Class state agency. Find out more at TxDOT.gov. Fan us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.